Yogurt is known as the most famous carrier food of probiotics, the good bacteria. Besides many benefits found in yogurt such as low fat and low lactose source of calcium, yogurt contains lactic acid bacteria including members of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. These bacteria are added to produce lactic acid which gives yogurt its characteristic sour taste.

Benefits of Yogurt

Consumption of yogurt has been shown to have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health. Make sure you provide these health benefits of probiotics in yogurt for your family…

How To Add Probiotics In Yogurt ?

Yogurt becomes a probiotic when the starter cultures used to ferment milk into yogurt are allowed to continue to live in the finished product. Traditionally, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus have been the cultures used in yoghurt making. In recent years, some manufactures have added extra cultures to yogurt during processing to enhance its probiotic properties. The most often cultures added are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These bacteria are considered to be probiotics because they are able to survive through the stomach to the gastro-intestinal tract.

How to Select and Store Yogurt ?

• Look for yogurt made from organic milk. It is becoming more widely available in an array of sizes, flavors and varieties.
• Store yogurt in the refrigerator in its original container at min. below 4ºC for max. two weeks.

Many Choices Of Yogurt

Yogurt is manufactured in more choices nowadays. Organic, spoon-free, light, non-fat or low-fat, full fat and beverage-style yogurt are few of the choices.

Low Fat Yogurt

Low fat yogurt is made from non- or low-fat milk. It is relatively high in sugar, however, especially when laden with fruit-flavored syrups.

Full Fat Yogurt

Full fat yogurt is most beneficial for children who require a healthy proportion of good fats in their diet to support the development of their brain.  Soy yogurt and goat milk yogurt are also available for the lactose intolerant.

Organic Yogurt

Organic yogurt has a naturally sweet and creamy flavor that can be enjoyed without adding sweeteners.  Nutritious grains such as oatmeal, rice, and quinoa make ideal accompaniments for organic yogurt.

Many Delicious Ways To Serve Yogurt

Besides its healthy benefits, yogurt is also a delicious food that most of people like. You can also make your own home-made yogurt for your entire family.

How to Make Yogurt

Equipment (make sure they are clean and dry):
Jar for fermentation
Yogurt maker

Ingredient :
1 liter cow milk (choose good quality milk)
Culture starter

Direction :
Heat up the milk up to 85 degree C
Keep stirring and reduce the fire, then wait for 3 minutes
Put aside and cool down milk until 45 degree C
Add culture starter and stir
Move the milk into the jar
And place the jar into yogurt maker for 5-7 hours
To make a thicker yogurt, add 3,5% skim approx. 15% to the milk
After the yogurt is ready, put in refrigerator
 

How to Serve Yogurt

With many choices that are available in the market, you can serve yogurt for snack, or add yogurt to your family breakfast menu (have yogurt smoothies while having your whole wheat toast – healthy and yummy !). Other yummy ways to serve yogurt :

Add yogurt

For alternative, try to add yogurt in your breakfast…

• Add yogurt beverage in your oatmeal (to replace milk).
• Add yogurt in smoothies/juices.

Mix yogurt

For you who love to cook, yogurt can be an alternative ingredient to salads & soups, cakes, bread & pudding or even main dishes.


If you are a yogurt lover like me, this book is a must-have in your collection; a 'bible' for you who wants to serve healthy probiotics in yogurt for the entire family :

 

The Book of Yogurt by Sonia Uvezian ...unhesitatingly recommended as literally being the best, the very best, in its subject area available to the public today. -- The Midwest Book Review Sonia Uvezian is an expert on yogurt. . . . The recipes are splendid.. .. If you love yogurt, this is a book for you. If you hate yogurt, this book will convert you. -- Chicago Sun-Times All courses and cuisines are covered in this solid, basic book outlining the many uses of yogurt. -- Booklist

If you like this article, share it with your friends...
 

Share on MySpace!

* To publish this article in your website, please send an e-mail through the Contact Me page*

Tell me what you think about this site! Post your comment here